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Why We're Not Going to the Dentist

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Americans want chipper choppers -- they just can't afford to go to the dentist to care for their teeth.

How bad is it? Worse than one might imagine.

According to Empirica Research, more than 1 million residents of Los Angeles -- a city of some 3.9 million and county of 10 million that many say prides itself on the power of a great smile -- have visited a dentist once or less in 10 years.

Part of the problem is that Angelenos visit the dentist so infrequently, they're just not sure how expensive it is to finally go get their teeth checked out -- and that uncertainty helps keep them further from good dental care.

"We find that patients with irregular upkeep frequently have more costly visits than those who are diligent about regular checkups," says Dr. Sandra Shakibkhoo, a Los Angeles dental practitioner. "There are many simple ways patients can make their visits more affordable, from good brushing and flossing at home to developing a treatment plan with their dentist."

The study shines a brighter light on exactly how severe the problem is for so-called "un-dentisters."

75% of all Los Angelenos have at least a single urgent dental care need (such as bleeding gums or an aching tooth).